Repertory Philippines is bringing a familiar fairy tale back to the stage with Cinderella: A Tale of the Glass Slipper, a musical production created for young audiences and designed to introduce a new generation to the magic of live theatre.
Presented by Repertory Philippines’ Theater for Young Audiences, the production follows Cinderella as she endures the antics of her wicked stepmother and outrageous stepsisters while dreaming of attending the royal ball. Along the way, she receives unexpected help from her loyal friend Putterman, a lovable rat, and a magical Fairy Godmother.
The musical features book, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, with Joy Virata and Cara Barredo sharing directing duties. The production forms part of Repertory Philippines’ 89th season, themed “By Love, Transformed.”
Rather than relying solely on the familiar fairy-tale transformation, this version places greater emphasis on Cinderella’s courage, kindness and perseverance. The story presents her journey as more than a trip to a royal ball, highlighting the small decisions and acts of bravery that help her change the course of her life.
Putterman also gives the production an additional source of humor and companionship, while the Fairy Godmother serves as a figure who recognizes Cinderella’s potential and encourages her to take a chance on herself.
The production opened at the REP Eastwood Theater in August 2026 and forms part of the company’s broader commitment to theater for younger audiences. It follows Man of La Mancha earlier in the season and precedes the company’s staging of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Cinderella’s continued run alongside other major Philippine theater productions reflects the growing variety of live performances available to local audiences this year. For families, the production offers a familiar story while providing younger theatergoers with an accessible introduction to musical performance and stage storytelling.
At its heart, Cinderella remains a story about hope, resilience and taking the first step toward a different future. This latest Philippine staging keeps those familiar themes while giving them a fresh theatrical setting for today’s young audiences.
